What does overgrown or unsanitary premises mean on a Florida code enforcement notice?

The same phrase can mean different things in different places. One notice may be about tall grass alone, another about a pile of storm debris or a neglected pool. Read the description of the conditions on your notice rather than assuming.

How these notices work

What you can check yourself

• Read the notice closelyNote the conditions it lists, the compliance date and any hearing date. Notice also who issued it, because that is the code office to contact.
• Walk the property with the notice in handMatch each listed item to what you see: growth along fences and sidewalks, junk or trash piles, construction or storm debris, standing water, a pool left to go green.
• Take dated photographsPhotograph the property now and again as conditions change. Clear before-and-after pictures help when you show the code office the work is done.
• Look before you reach inThick growth and debris piles can hide holes, sharp material and wildlife, so heavy clearing is not a job to rush at by hand. Keep children and pets away from standing water and any neglected pool.
• Ask the code office what counts as complianceYour local ordinance sets the standard and how a reinspection is requested. The office named on the notice can explain both.

What we will do

• Read the notice and look at the propertyWe go through the cited conditions with you and tell you what work each one needs.
• Clear and cut backWe clear and mow the lot and cut back overgrowth and vines from the house, fences and sidewalks.
• Haul away debrisWe haul away and dispose of junk, trash, construction debris and storm debris, and deal with standing water and a neglected pool.
• Document the workWe take before-and-after photographs so you can show the code office named on your notice that the work is done.

Work by 360 Home Improvements, Florida Certified Building Contractor CBC1267336. Electrical, plumbing and AC work goes to our Florida-licensed subcontractors, who pull that trade's permit.

Related questions

What happens if the lot is not cleared by the compliance date?

Under Chapter 162, Florida Statutes, an uncorrected violation can go to a hearing, and a fine may be imposed for each day past the compliance date in an order. Many local governments can also clear a lot themselves and bill the owner or record a lien for the cost. Ask the code office named on your notice how this works locally.

Does a neglected pool count as unsanitary premises?

It can. Standing or stagnant water is commonly listed among the conditions on these notices, but the wording depends on the local ordinance. Check your notice, and keep children away from the water.

Can storm debris lead to a notice?

Yes. Debris left after hurricane season, such as downed fences, scattered branches and materials, is a common source of notices. Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30.

Do I need a permit to clear a lot?

Ordinary mowing and hauling usually does not, but repairing fences or other structures can. Permits come from the building department with jurisdiction over the property, so confirm with them. We pull the permit under our licence when the work needs one.

This page is general information about Florida code enforcement, not legal advice. For questions about your own case (deadlines, hearing dates, fines or liens), contact the code enforcement office named on your notice, or a Florida attorney.

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